CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

 I am currently writing a feminist memoir, They Called It Consent, reflecting on my time growing up in Shepparton and attending secondary school in the late twentieth century.

This project looks at school culture, gender, and experiences of institutional abuse and other forms of sexual violence—particularly the ways these were normalised, dismissed, or left unspoken. I am inviting former students to contribute their own reflections to help build a shared account of that time.

I am seeking contributions from former students who attended GVGS between 1988–2000.

I am particularly interested in reflections, memories, or accounts relating to:

• Sexual violence, harassment, or coercion

• Misogyny and sexism

• Teacher–student relationships and conduct

• Teacher practices and professional boundaries

• School culture and institutional responses

• Peer dynamics and gendered experiences within and beyond the classroom

Submissions can be:
– Written
– Photographic (such as personal archives or school images)

Please note: photographic submissions will not be reproduced or published as images. Instead, I will engage with them through written description.

The writing and research of They Called It Consent is grounded in care, respect, and ethical feminist storytelling. You are welcome — and encouraged — to contribute anonymously. There is no expectation to disclose anything you are not comfortable sharing.

To Submit E-Mail Here

You can email submissions here: theycalleditconsent@protonmail.com

Below are some simple privacy tips to protect your anonymity if that is important to you;

Create a new email account
You may wish to create a new email address that does not include your name or identifying details. Avoid using your real name or birth year. Do not link it to your personal accounts or phone number if possible

Use an encrypted email service
For additional privacy, you may choose to use a secure email provider such as Proton Mail. This allows you to send messages with stronger privacy protections.

Remove identifying details from your submission
Before sending your contribution, consider: Removing names of people (including your own, if you wish to remain anonymous) Avoiding specific details that could easily identify you (e.g. exact addresses). Using general descriptions where needed

Check your files for hidden information
If you are submitting photographs or documents: Be aware that files can contain hidden data (metadata), such as location or device information. You may wish to take a screenshot of an image before sending it, or export documents as PDFs to reduce identifying data

Consent, Ethics, and Wellbeing

• Participation is entirely voluntary.

• Participation is not compensated, financially or otherwise.

• You may choose what, how much, or whether to share, and you can withdraw your contribution at any time up until 31 December 2026.

• No identifying personal details will be used without your explicit consent.

• Submissions may be included in the book in full or in part and may be edited for clarity or length, while maintaining the integrity of your contribution.

• All submissions will be handled sensitively and stored securely. Identifying details about third parties will be treated with care and removed where necessary.

Content Note & Self-Care

This project engages with themes of sexual violence, misogyny, and institutional abuse. Reflecting on these experiences may be distressing.

Please take care of yourself. You are encouraged to:

• Take breaks while writing or reflecting

• Share only what feels safe and manageable

• Reach out for support if difficult feelings arise

If you are based in Australia and need support, the following services are available:

National:
1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732

NSW:
NSW Rape Crisis Centre — 1800 424 017

QLD:
Sexual Assault Helpline — 1800 010 120

VIC:
Sexual Assault Crisis Line — 1800 806 292

SA:
Yarrow Place — (08) 8226 8787 or 1800 817 421 (outside Adelaide)

ACT:
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre — (02) 6247 2525

WA:
Sexual Assault Resource Centre — 1800 199 888

NT:
Ruby Gaea — (08) 8945 0155

TAS:
Sexual Assault Support Service (South) — (03) 6231 1817
Laurel House (North) — (03) 6334 2740

If you are outside Australia, please consider accessing a local counselling or crisis support service.

If this topic raises distress or difficult memories, you are strongly encouraged to seek support from a trusted person or professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did you attend GVGS?
I attended between 1988–1993.

Is GVGS aware that you are writing this book?
Yes. The current administration are aware of my intention to publish a feminist memoir based on my lived experience while attending GVGS.

Who can contribute?
Anyone who attended GVGS between 1988–2000 is welcome to contribute. You do not need to have stayed in contact with the school or other students.

Do I have to share something traumatic?
No. You are welcome to share whatever feels right to you — this can include small moments, observations, atmospheres, or reflections on school culture.

Can I remain anonymous?
Yes. You can choose to remain fully anonymous, use a pseudonym, or be identified by name. This is entirely your choice.

What kind of submissions are you looking for?
Written reflections (any length or style) or photographic material (including personal archives or images). There is no requirement for formal or polished writing.

Will my submission be edited?
Submissions may be lightly edited for clarity or length. Care will be taken to preserve your voice and intent. Where possible, you will be able to review how your contribution appears.

Will my submission be used in other publications or contexts?
No. Contributions gathered through this call-out will only be considered for They Called It Consent. Separate calls will be made for any future projects.

Can I withdraw my contribution later?
Yes. You may withdraw your contribution at any time up until 31 December 2026.

Will other people be named?
To protect privacy and reduce harm, identifying details about third parties (including teachers or students) will be removed.

Can I speak with you or meet in person?
To maintain clear ethical boundaries and consistency of process, all contributions must be submitted in written form via email. Meetings or verbal interviews are not part of this research process.